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Marni Amirault is of Acadian and English/Irish descent. She has her Master of Arts in cultural / visual anthropology from the University of Alberta where her research focus was on Aboriginal media making. Marni has worked with and lived in several First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada since 2001 and has been involved in the field of Aboriginal sexual health since 2009. She currently holds the position of Community-Based Research Manager (KT) with the Aboriginal HIV and AIDS Community-Based Research Collaborative Centre (AHA Centre) a project of the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN). In this role, she works collaboratively with academic and community researchers and organizations to build and maintain relationships, offer support in all stages of Aboriginal HIV and AIDS Community-Based Research and to promote research. She is co-editor for the Canadian Journal of Aboriginal Community-Based HIV/AIDS Research (CJACBR), co-chair of the National Aboriginal Research Advisory Committee (NARAC) with the AHA Centre, a member of the AIRN Blended Leadership Committee, a member of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC) and a Knowledge User on several research grants.
Danielle is currently a graduate student at UVic in public health with a passion for Indigenous health and community-based research. She is Cree Metis and has been involved with the Metis Nation of BC for many years, first as a board secretary for the local Metis community organization in Victoria, BC, then as regional youth representative for Vancouver Island. She enjoys planning community and youth cultural activities. Danielle is a graduate research assistant for the DRUM2 project and is eager to support the health and wellness visions for all communities involved with the project.
Sally grew up in northern Alberta on a reserve called Sucker Creek First Nation with her parents and siblings. At age 7 she was sent to a residential school called St. Bruno’s Mission in Joussard, Alberta where she stayed for 12 years. In 1963 she left the Mission and went to Edmonton to take LPN training. In the 60’s, it was called CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) training. Sally did bedside nursing for 18 years in Manitoba, Alberta and BC and did 2 years of lab work and flying with local doctors into remote areas in High Prairie, AB. She worked as a CHR for 30 years at the Health Centre on her reserve. Retired in 2010, Sally is still active at her local Health Center and continues to do yearly community water samples. She has been married for 44 years and has 3 girls. The youngest passed after 10 years of suffering from scleroderma. She raised her grandchildren, ages 24, 19 and 12, when their mother was lost to drugs and alcohol.
Bio not yet available
Lisa is a Cree/Metis member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, in Treat 6 Territory, Associate Professor, and New Researcher with the Thompson River University, School of Nursing. After 25 years as a Registered Nurse she began her teaching career working with Maskwacis Community College/Health Center in Alberta and Arctic Nursing program in Iqaluit Nunavut and the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing where she developed and delivered Indigenous-nursing initiatives. She served as the President of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association from 2013-2017 contributing to advancing Indigenous nursing leadership. Lisa has a strong passion to invest in First Nation, Inuit, and Metis, rights to appropriate health care and to work within the health care system to enhance peoples understanding of Indigenous health that is responsive to the client and nurse's cultural integrity. Currently, she is working with nurses and various communities to enhances understandings of Indigenous nursing knowledge and social determinants of health, focusing on Indigenous wellness that maintains cultural integrity of nurses practice and supports Indigenous clients’ sovereignty
Shayna has been a pharmacist at the Southern Alberta Clinic since 2016. Prior to that, she worked in HIV care at the Northern Alberta Program in 2015 and in Internal Medicine at the Foothills Medical Centre. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta in 2010 and completed a Master of Science in Global Health at McMaster University in 2015. Her clinical interests include barriers to access of essential medications, perinatal care in relation to HIV and health economics. She is from Northern Alberta, specifically the Peace River area.
Karen completed her undergraduate (BSc) degree and MD at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Internal Medicine training at Queen’s University was followed by subspecialty training in Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba. While at University of Manitoba she undertook additional subspecialty training in viral hepatitis. In 2003 she completed a clinical and research fellowship in Transplant Infectious Diseases under the supervision of Dr. Jay Fishman at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2007 she completed a Master’s in Epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health. She has been on staff at the University of Alberta since 2004, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010 and appointed Divisional Director of Infectious Diseases in May 2015. She was the Medical Director for the Infectious Diseases Hepatitis Support Program from 2006-April 2015.
Her clinical and research interests are in infections in immunocompromised hosts, particularly solid organ transplant recipients, and viral hepatitis. She has published many peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters as well as been involved in the development and publication of national and international guidelines in the fields of transplantation and viral hepatitis. She is also engaged in national and international educational leadership, including through the American Society of Transplantation ID Community of Practice and the Canadian Society of Transplantation. She serves on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Area of Focused Competence Committee in Solid Organ Transplantation. Dr. Doucette has been the Education Lead for the Transplant Infectious Diseases Fellowship program at the University of Alberta since 2008 and in 2016 developed a Fellowship program at the University of Alberta for advanced training of Infectious Diseases residents in viral hepatitis.
Her clinical and research interests are in infections in immunocompromised hosts, particularly solid organ transplant recipients, and viral hepatitis. She has published many peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters as well as been involved in the development and publication of national and international guidelines in the fields of transplantation and viral hepatitis. She is also engaged in national and international educational leadership, including through the American Society of Transplantation ID Community of Practice and the Canadian Society of Transplantation. She serves on the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Area of Focused Competence Committee in Solid Organ Transplantation. Dr. Doucette has been the Education Lead for the Transplant Infectious Diseases Fellowship program at the University of Alberta since 2008 and in 2016 developed a Fellowship program at the University of Alberta for advanced training of Infectious Diseases residents in viral hepatitis.
Jordon graduated from medical school at the University of Toronto in 1997 and then completed residency programs in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Following his clinical training, Dr. Feld focused on developing skills in clinical and laboratory research in liver disease, with a particular interest in viral hepatitis. He completed a clinical research fellowship in hepatology and then spent 4 years doing clinical and laboratory research in the Liver Diseases Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He received a Masters of Public Health with a focus on Infectious Diseases as a Sommer Scholar from Johns Hopkins University and has worked extensively abroad, maintaining a strong interest in International Health. Currently, Dr. Feld is clinician-scientist based at the Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease and the McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health.
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Robin has a background in early childhood development, environmental inspection and youth addictions counselling. She is currently the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and Chronic Disease Coordinator for Driftpile Cree Nation Health Services. Robin is a mother of three and resides on the Driftpile Cree Nation. She is an avid user of the land which entails hunting for moose, fishing and gathering traditional medicines and foods. Robin is a dedicated advocate for peoples of the north to receive equal access to treatments, specialists and healthcare.
Fiona is the coordinator for the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s HEADSTRONG youth anti-stigma initiative for Western Canada. HEADSTRONG inspires young people to become leaders in their own schools and communities, challenging stigma and sharing hope. Fiona has worked in frontline non-profit and community mental health for the past 15 years, with the Foothills School Division, the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta and No Limits (UK). She has a lifetime of familial and personal experience with mental illness, and it’s that experience that motivates her every day to change the way people think about mental health.
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Stan’s over-arching interests are in the care of disadvantaged populations in Africa and other resource-limited settings as well as within our own community. His interest in public health and prevention of communicable diseases really arose from clinical experience with preventable illness.
He has a long-standing interest in tuberculosis, program development and implementation in low income countries as well as the interaction with HIV.
As medical program director of the Northern Alberta HIV program, Stan has an interest in local HIV epidemiology and treatment outcomes here in northern Alberta, but also in rural Uganda.
Finally, he is interested in the exciting progress against malaria, especially in Africa; specifically, strategies for making reliable diagnosis and effective treatment accessible for children in rural Africa and developing a better understanding of non-malaria causes of fever and how to address them.
He has a long-standing interest in tuberculosis, program development and implementation in low income countries as well as the interaction with HIV.
As medical program director of the Northern Alberta HIV program, Stan has an interest in local HIV epidemiology and treatment outcomes here in northern Alberta, but also in rural Uganda.
Finally, he is interested in the exciting progress against malaria, especially in Africa; specifically, strategies for making reliable diagnosis and effective treatment accessible for children in rural Africa and developing a better understanding of non-malaria causes of fever and how to address them.
Shohan was raised in northern Manitoba; The Pas and Churchill. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother of four children. She resides with her family in Winnipeg. Shohan and her husband are raising their children with Indigenous Knowledge and Ceremony. They work every day to incorporate the resistance of colonization and residential school into their children’s resiliency.
Shohan is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network and has worked in harm reduction since 2000. She completed a Master’s of Science at the University of Manitoba and has held CIHR funds to run community-based research projects. Along with being a DRUM team member, she has been involved in many other projects and committees.
Shohan is the Executive Director of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network and has worked in harm reduction since 2000. She completed a Master’s of Science at the University of Manitoba and has held CIHR funds to run community-based research projects. Along with being a DRUM team member, she has been involved in many other projects and committees.
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Dr. Jack Janvier is an infectious diseases specialist who is based out the Peter Lougheed Center. He also does HIV care at the Southern Alberta Clinic. He has a Bachelor of Science degree (1997) and a Doctor of Medicine degree (2001) from the University of Saskatchewan. He did his internal medicine training at the University of Saskatchewan and then received his infectious diseases training at the University of Calgary. He has been working full time in Calgary since 2009. He has been involved on the advisory board of HIV Community Link’s Strong Voices Aboriginal Program for about 3 years. He has also been involved in an advisory role for collaborative teams looking at tackling the HIV epidemic in Aboriginal populations in Saskatchewan.
Aaron is a compassionate and dedicated medical professional with 20 + years of hospital and community-based experience in nursing management and expertise in providing high-quality nursing care and unparalleled patient service. In addition to working in a hospital setting, he has experience in Community Nursing, Public Health Nursing, and long-term facilities. Aaron has worked on many initiatives focused on improving clinical outcomes, improving patient and staff satisfaction and has developed and executed programs to improve productivity, profitability, and effectiveness with a focus on patient care.
Aaron has worked in different roles in the last 20 years: Electronic Engineer, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Research Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Director of Acute Care Services, Executive Director and Chief Executive officer. His philosophy has always been to learn as much as he can from every experience life has to offer. Being a student of life has afforded him the ability to always lend a helping hand to others who cannot help themselves, confident that something positive will be learned from these experiences.
Aaron has worked in different roles in the last 20 years: Electronic Engineer, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Research Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Director of Acute Care Services, Executive Director and Chief Executive officer. His philosophy has always been to learn as much as he can from every experience life has to offer. Being a student of life has afforded him the ability to always lend a helping hand to others who cannot help themselves, confident that something positive will be learned from these experiences.
Alexandra King, MD, FRCPC, is a member of the Nipissing First Nation (Ontario). She is an Internal Medicine Specialist with a focus on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV/HCV co-infections. She was appointed the first Comeco Chair in Indigenous Health at the University of Saskatchewan and is looking to improve health care for Indigenous people and communities in Saskatchewan.
As a First Nation researcher, Alexandra is a Principal Investigator on various CIHR research grants related to Indigenous people and HIV, HCV and co-infections. Other research interests include Indigenous wellness; Indigenous research ethics; peer-based navigation, support and research; land based cultural healing and wellness retreats; and land-based research. She works in community based research and intervention research grounded in Indigenous epistemology, culture and wellness. She serves on many local and national initiatives, including the CanHepC: the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development, and the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) Working Group for Health for People Who Use Drugs (co-lead), and the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC).
As a First Nation researcher, Alexandra is a Principal Investigator on various CIHR research grants related to Indigenous people and HIV, HCV and co-infections. Other research interests include Indigenous wellness; Indigenous research ethics; peer-based navigation, support and research; land based cultural healing and wellness retreats; and land-based research. She works in community based research and intervention research grounded in Indigenous epistemology, culture and wellness. She serves on many local and national initiatives, including the CanHepC: the Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development, and the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) Working Group for Health for People Who Use Drugs (co-lead), and the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC).
Nathan is an Assistant Professor and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar in the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria. Championing interdisciplinary and community-based approaches, he has conducted HIV and sexual health research with sexual and gender minority men, including indigenous men across Canada and New Zealand. Nathan's principal area of research focuses on social and behavioural epidemiology and the importance of developing and analyzing public health data to inform public health practice, health service provision, and policy. While fundamentally trained as an epidemiologist, he conducts interdisciplinary mixed methods research within a social justice framework in order to advance health equity for marginalized communities. Nathan's research foci include sexual and gender minority populations, sexual health, youth, indigenous and ethnoracialized communities, and HIV/AIDS.
Sandy Lambert is a member of the Tallcree First Nation situated in northern Alberta, Ft. Vermillion he has a very large extended family. His grandfather Maxum Auger was a respected medicine man in the community and mother Grace Auger well known. Sandy has been HIV positive for 20 years overcoming many obstacles and barriers throughout his journey. He has worked in the HIV field for the last 10 years sitting on regional, provincial, national committees and boards. Currently his positions are: BC Community Research Associate for the AHA Centre, co-chair Red Road HIV/AIDS Network, BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index Project research, DUDES Club (External Liaison/Elder), Land Based Research for people living with HIV/HEP C. Sandy is honored and humble to been asked to be involved in this DRUM Project which will change many lives and communities as well.
From the Piikani Nation of the Nitsitapi Confederation. Currently residing in Vancouver and also currently enrolled in the "Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice" Program at the University of British Columbia. Intended Major - Anthropology (to see where we have been); Intended Minor (to see where we can be). Has been involved with the First Nations HIV/AIDS movement since becoming positive 23.5 years ago. Has been a voice of the movement and can usually be heard at conferences, meetings or at protest rally's speaking up - usually agreeing or questioning.
Carrielynn is a Métis consultant whose primary focus is assisting Aboriginal communities to identify and address health and social issues that have a negative impact on children and their families. She has done extensive work in the area of heath research, particularly with Aboriginal youth and resilience and research ethics. Her extensive committee work includes service on the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (Treasurer), the Canadian Institute of Health Research Ethics Standing Committee and the Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada Research Ethics Board. Carrielynn contributes substantially to the CIHR review and process development and is highly skilled working within Network environments.
Renée is First Nation from Southern Ontario. Professionally Renée’s energies are dedicated to Aboriginal health. Her work in the Aboriginal HIV and AIDS community began in 1995 and she is honoured to contribute with dedication and determination. She earned her degrees in Social Work at McMaster University, with a CIHR research award for her Masters. Renée’s research interests focus on community-based research frameworks, Indigenous knowledge and community health with an emphasis on HIV and AIDS. Presently, Renée is the Director of Research and Policy with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network and she lives with her husband, sons and pets by the ocean in Mi’kmaq Territory.
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Ruth has been with the Tallcree First Nation for the past 35+ years in various capacities. She initially started as their Receptionists/Bookkeeper and then stepped in as the Financial Officer/Band Administrator. Currently she is working with the Health Department. She has a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting with NAIT. She would like to pursue her finance/business career as a CFP or CGA. She has also taken various courses related to health with U of A. and at a Band Level. Her passion lies with the First Nation, working for their wellbeing and advocating for both individuals and communities to be self-reliant and to choose better or healthier lifestyle.
Chris is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Alberta, holds a Canada Research Chair in Neurologic Infection and Immunity and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He is a nationally and internationally recognized clinician-investigator, studying the pathogenesis and the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases including Multiple Sclerosis and HIV infection. Aside from directing the Laboratory for Neurologic Infection and Immunity, he is also an attending consultant in the University of Alberta HIV and MS Clinics.
Allison Reeves is a registered psychologist and a new faculty member in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria. Dr. Reeves' research considers the impacts of colonization and Euro-Christian patriarchy on Indigenous Peoples' sexuality and sexual health. Her PhD research and Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto were funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and explored culture-based Indigenous mental health and healing services for individuals recovering from sexualized violence in Anishnawbe communities. Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist, Dr. Reeves completed a Master's degree in Health Promotion, and worked on community-led healing initiatives in India and West Africa, primarily in the area of women's sexual health. She spent the last five years in Toronto working as the psychologist on staff at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and in a forensic psychology role supporting sexualized assault survivors in civil litigation suits. Her current areas of interest are in anti-oppressive psychologies, sexualized trauma recovery, and Indigenous healing. Allison is of mixed descent from several regions (mixed European, Afro-Carribean, Indigenous Caribbean) and grew up in the multicultural hub of Toronto/Brampton.
Leanne Rutledge is a clinical social worker at the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic in Calgary where she has been supporting those living with HIV for the past 5 years. Previously Leanne worked with patients admitted to the hospital, addressing concerns with health and well-being as well as working in the community with individuals experiencing the effects of poverty, stigma and isolation.
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Stu is an Infectious Disease specialist at the Regina Infectious Disease Clinic and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. He does HIV and hepatitis outreach clinics in 10 different sites serving 27 First Nations throughout Saskatchewan. He also is the lead on the Wellness Wheel - An integrated clinical and wellness approach to chronic diseases for First Nations on reserve.
Charmaine is from Samson Cree Nation. She is the mother of 5 children and grandmother of 4. She has been living with HIV for 19 years and is familiar with the challenges APHAs face on-reserve. Charmaine wanted to change her life for the better and went back to school in 2012 and began to participate in HIV-related events that included attending CAAN’s AGMs. She has a deep desire to make a difference and is looking forward to assisting her community and other First Nation communities to address HIV and other STBBIs.
Raye St. Denys is a Metis woman whose family roots go back to the Papasschase Cree Nation Band. She is the youngest daughter of a WWII aboriginal veteran and an English war bride. Raye is the proud mother of one daughter and grandmother of three (two living and one deceased).
In 1989, Raye and her daughter relocated to Chilliwack, B.C., where Raye began working with the Sto:lo Nation people as a Family Violence Counsellor. During this time the Native Brotherhood at Ford Mountain and Mount Thurston nominated Raye for an award as BC Aboriginal Woman of the Year. The Vancouver SUN selection committee placed her as 1stRunner up for this award. In 1994, Raye was invited to join a National Warriors Society against Violence.
From a young age, Raye was the “warrior spirit” in her family, often defending her sister and other young girls in the community against bullying. Over time, Raye determined that there were better ways of fighting than with her fists and became a stalwart advocate for Aboriginal rights. In Red Deer, she has been a consistent voice for funding to implement safe and culturally responsive housing for Aboriginal peoples affected by addictions and violence.
Over the many years in Human Services, Raye has served on multiple Boards and Committees in Alberta and BC., including Boards for family violence prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, culture, service and housing. Nationally, she was has taken part in developing the 2ndAboriginal Strategy on HIV/AIDS, in the National Review on HIV/AIDS Funding and in the development of the Population Specific HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Status Report for People Who Use Injection Drugs.
In 1989, Raye and her daughter relocated to Chilliwack, B.C., where Raye began working with the Sto:lo Nation people as a Family Violence Counsellor. During this time the Native Brotherhood at Ford Mountain and Mount Thurston nominated Raye for an award as BC Aboriginal Woman of the Year. The Vancouver SUN selection committee placed her as 1stRunner up for this award. In 1994, Raye was invited to join a National Warriors Society against Violence.
From a young age, Raye was the “warrior spirit” in her family, often defending her sister and other young girls in the community against bullying. Over time, Raye determined that there were better ways of fighting than with her fists and became a stalwart advocate for Aboriginal rights. In Red Deer, she has been a consistent voice for funding to implement safe and culturally responsive housing for Aboriginal peoples affected by addictions and violence.
Over the many years in Human Services, Raye has served on multiple Boards and Committees in Alberta and BC., including Boards for family violence prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, culture, service and housing. Nationally, she was has taken part in developing the 2ndAboriginal Strategy on HIV/AIDS, in the National Review on HIV/AIDS Funding and in the development of the Population Specific HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Status Report for People Who Use Injection Drugs.
Merv Thomas is Cree, First Nations from Pelican Lake, Saskatchewan. He has one grandson to whom he is devoted. He currently resides in the territory of the Coast Salish people, in Vancouver, BC.
Merv has completed 2 years towards his Bachelor of Education degree and received a Marketing Management Small Business Development diploma from the BC Institute of Technology in 1997. He has held management positions for over 20 years: as the Director of National Programs and Communications for the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, working as a manager of two fast food restaurants in Edmonton, and on to his previous work as Executive Director for the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society. He has been instrumental in development and overseeing many programs and services for Aboriginal people such as a youth treatment facility for youth in trouble with the law, an Aboriginal Halfway House and Homeless Shelter for Women, Elders Meals on Wheels, Canoe Projects and healing journeys, pre-employment programs, programs for employment and training, and traditional and healing workshops.
He has volunteered his time serving on many Boards of Aboriginal agencies in BC such as: Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society as Vice President; Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society - Vice President; Pulling Together Canoe Society, Board Member, Urban Spirit Foundation – Vice President; Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council – Co-chair; Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee – Co-chair; United Native Nations – Zone 7 Director, Vi-Fineday Family Shelter Society – Board Member; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – Aboriginal Community Advisory Committee and many other groups and committees.
Merv has completed 2 years towards his Bachelor of Education degree and received a Marketing Management Small Business Development diploma from the BC Institute of Technology in 1997. He has held management positions for over 20 years: as the Director of National Programs and Communications for the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, working as a manager of two fast food restaurants in Edmonton, and on to his previous work as Executive Director for the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society. He has been instrumental in development and overseeing many programs and services for Aboriginal people such as a youth treatment facility for youth in trouble with the law, an Aboriginal Halfway House and Homeless Shelter for Women, Elders Meals on Wheels, Canoe Projects and healing journeys, pre-employment programs, programs for employment and training, and traditional and healing workshops.
He has volunteered his time serving on many Boards of Aboriginal agencies in BC such as: Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society as Vice President; Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society - Vice President; Pulling Together Canoe Society, Board Member, Urban Spirit Foundation – Vice President; Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council – Co-chair; Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee – Co-chair; United Native Nations – Zone 7 Director, Vi-Fineday Family Shelter Society – Board Member; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – Aboriginal Community Advisory Committee and many other groups and committees.
Camille is a registered nurse with the Stoney Health center and has worked there for over 3 years. She began her time there as a Community Health nurse but then moved to the clinic and took over the Sexual Health program. The program is evolving into a full time sexual health and harm reduction program which is very exciting and rewarding work.
Wendy Ward is a registered nurse and graduated from the Edmonton General in 1969. She is a public health nurse employed by the Tallcree Tribal Government since 1998. Wendy has lived and worked in the Fort Vermillion area for her entire working career. She is a mother and grandmother of 7 - 4 girls and 3 boys ranging in age from 1 - 27. She has been involved with the DRUM & SASH project since its inception, is very honored to be part of it and has learned much.
Cherie is a First Nation member of the Sucker Creek First Nation and has lived in her community for the past 20 years. She is a mother of 7 children (4 biological sons, 1 step son, and 2 adopted daughters, and now 2 grandchildren. She has worked in various areas in her First Nation as Receptionist, Executive Secretary to the First Nation Leadership then with the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council as the Medical Transportation Director. She then went on to work with the Brighter Futures Program in High Prairie as the Prenatal Educator. This sparked a fire in her to go back to school to get her degree in nursing which she completed from the University of Alberta December 2012. She was offered a position with the Kapawe'no First Nation right out of school where she stayed for almost 5 years as the Public Health and Home Care Nurse. She has been with the Sucker Creek First Nation Health Services since May 2017 as the Public Health Nurse and loves working in First Nation communities. She has since completed her certificate in Diabetes Education and will be taking the registration exam next year.
Jeanette has been the CHR at Sucker Creek Health Center for 22 years where she first started as a FS Worker. She has been married for 42 years to David and has two children and nine grandchildren. Jeanette is the oldest of 6 siblings, all survivors of the Catholic school system. Her mother was unwed, which gave the sisters reasons to treat her and her siblings badly. The other children whose parents were wed were treated a lot better. Being the oldest, she was the caregiver of her siblings. They were raised in their grandparent’s home where they learned to speak Cree. Jeanette believes they were fortunate to have their grandparents because it allowed her and her siblings to have a strong bond and great relationship. She believes that having to work at the health centre has given her the knowledge to be a better person for her children and grandchildren.
Tanis has been with the Sucker Creek First Nation for the past 19 years. She initially started as their receptionist in 1999 and transitioned into the Health Director role in 2010. She has a Business Administration Diploma with Lethbridge Community College and is currently taking courses with the Athabasca University.
Catherine (Cathy) Worthington is Professor and Director in the School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria. Her community-engaged research focuses on quality and access issues for community health and social services. She has conducted research in collaboration with people living with HIV, street-involved youth, Indigenous communities and organizations, and African immigrant communities on studies related to the development of HIV prevention and care services. She is currently engaged in research on socio-structural issues (housing, stigma, employment) and HIV, and interventions to improve engagement in HIV care. She is the Co-Chair of the CIHR HIV Clinical Trials Network (CTN)'s Prevention and Vulnerable Populations Core (http://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/); and the BC Co-Lead for the CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV (http://www.reachprogramscience.ca/) and the CIHR REACH CBR Collaborative Centre (http://www.reachprogramscience.ca/cihr-cbr-collaborative-a-program-of-reach/).